§ SIR CHARLES NAPIERsaid, he wished to inquire whether, as the soldiers of the Line and the Guards were to be allowed to attend the award of the Victoria Cross to their comrades on the following day the same privilege ought not to be extended to the seamen of the Royal Navy? Generals and Lord Lieutenants of counties were to be admitted to the park on horseback, in order to take part in the ceremony. He wished to know why Admirals should not be permitted to do the same?
§ MR. BERNAL OSBORNEI am informed, Sir, that a great body of the Greenwich Pensioners will be present on the occasion, as well as those sailors to whom the Victoria Cross is to be distributed. With reference to the cavalry part of the question, I can only say that if the 344 gallant Admiral presents himself in Hyde Park, mounted and in uniform, I am sure a fitting place will be given to him.
§ COLONEL FRENCHsaid, he wished to be informed by the Under Secretary for War whether it was true that the 79th Regiment of Highlanders, which had only sixty killed and wounded in the late war, was to be present at the distribution of the Victoria Cross, while the Connaught Rangers, who had 476 killed and wounded, were to be excluded?
§ SIR JOHN RAMSDENI am sorry that the hon. and gallant Member did not give me notice of his question till two minutes ago. At present I am unable to answer it.
§ COLONEL FRENCHI shall renew the question on the adjournment of the House to-morrow.